Belgium then topped Group H with a 5-1 win over New Zealand, while Egypt and Iran played out a thrilling 1-1 draw to finish second and third, respectively.
ESPN’s By The Numbers brings you best stats from the World Cup action on June 26:
Norway 1 – 4 France
0.19
Ousmane Dembélé completed his hat trick despite just accumulating an xG total of 0.19. Since 1966, the only men’s World Cup hat trick completed with a lower xG was Hungary‘s Laszlo Kiss in 1982 (0.17).
1/182
Of the 182 goals scored (until then) at this FIFA World Cup, Dembélé’s hat trick goal was the first to see all 11 players involved in the move.
Dembélé ‘s hat trick (7′, 20′, 32’) is the second earliest hat trick in men’s World Cup history after Austria‘s Erich Probst vs Czechoslovakia in 1954 (24th minute). He is, in fact, just the 6th man with a first-half hat trick in a World Cup match and the first since Oleg Salenko for Russia in 1994 (Salenko hit 5 goals in that match).
2
With two assists today, Kylian Mbappé has joined Lionel Messi (26) and Miroslav Klose (20) as the only men with 20+ World Cup goal contributions (16 goals, 4 assists), since assist records started in 1966. What’s curious is that he had two assists in his previous 16 World Cup games!
3
Dembélé is only the third Frenchman to score a World Cup hat trick, after Just Fontaine (2x) and Kylian Mbappé.
3
Stunningly, Dembélé is the first Reigning Ballon D’Or winner to score a World Cup hat trick since Cristiano Ronaldo vs Spain in 2018. He’s only the fourth overall to do so (also Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1982 and Eusébio in 1966)
3
Mike Maignan is the third French goalkeeper to save a men’s World Cup penalty after Alex Thepot in 1930 vs Chile and Joel Bats in 1986 vs Brazil (excluding shootouts). Maignan dived to his left to keep out Jorgen Strand Larsen’s 50th minute penalty.
3 (or more)
France have scored 3 (or more) goals in each of their last four FIFA World Cup matches, the longest run by a team at a men’s World Cup since Spain between 1998 and 2002 (4).
6
Norway, who made 10 changes to the starting XI from the previous match, are now winless in their last 6 competitive games without Erling Haaland in the starting XI (0-3-3).
20
This is the 20th instance of a Frenchmen having a multi-goal game at the World Cup. France join Brazil (39), Germany (35), and Argentina (27) as the only countries to have players who’ve had multi-goal games at least 20 times at the World Cup.
23
With Jens Petter Hauge substitution in, all 23 of Norway’s outfield players have had minutes this tournament.
Tensions are running high at Ferrari following the recent Canadian Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton's radio communications revealed a troubling reality for the team. While Hamilton crossed the finish line with a smile, his messages during the race hinted at deeper issues within Ferrari's SF26, particularly concerning its power output. As Hamilton battled for a podium finish against Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc found himself trapped in what he described as one of the most challenging weekends of his career. Despite being part of the same team and driving the same car, their experiences were worlds apart. Reports suggest that Ferrari may be down as much as 20 to 25 horsepower compared to Mercedes, a significant deficit in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. The Canadian circuit is notoriously tough on engines, with its relentless demands exposing any weaknesses. Hamilton quickly noticed the SF26’s struggles on the straights, likening it to sprinting with resistance bands. While he began to trust the car's handling in corners, the lack of power left him frustrated, unable to capitalize on his improved confidence. In contrast, Leclerc spent much of the race stuck in traffic, unable to execute overtakes due to the car's insufficient speed. As tire temperatures fluctuated and dirty air became an issue, his confidence waned, leading to a disheartening performance. Hamilton, however, adapted his strategy, managing his race intelligently and compensating for the power deficit, a move that did not go unnoticed by Ferrari's engineers. The aftermath of the race revealed a stark emotional divide within the team. Hamilton emerged optimistic and energized, while Leclerc expressed exhaustion and frustration. This shift in dynamics could have significant implications for Ferrari's future, especially as they grapple with their engine performance issues. The situation became even more complex when George Russell's retirement from the lead brought a safety car into play, giving Hamilton a chance to pit for fresh tires. For a brief moment, it seemed like Ferrari might capitalize on the opportunity. Yet, the underlying engine problems persisted, hindering Hamilton's ability to apply pressure on Verstappen when it mattered most. As Hamilton's frustration grew, it became clear that he was acutely aware of the limitations imposed by the SF26’s engine. Meanwhile, Leclerc’s struggle with confidence could have lasting effects on his performance moving forward. The contrast between the two drivers’ experiences raises questions about the internal dynamics at Ferrari and how they will navigate this challenging season. Looking ahead, the next race in Monaco could provide a unique opportunity for Ferrari. The circuit's characteristics may downplay the impact of their engine deficit, allowing Hamilton to leverage his newfound confidence. If he can perform well there, it might shift the narrative surrounding Ferrari and their championship aspirations. Yet, the looming question remains: can Ferrari resolve their engine issues before the mounting pressure begins to fracture the team? The stakes have never been higher, and the answers could reshape the entire season.
